After 9 months anticipation for the approval of an application for TdM to send up a Maltese group to Martinique, a spectacular island, part of the French Caribbean islands, we were given word that the project was approved!! This was huge news for us, we had been praying for this opportunity to present itself, and we were finally going! None of us could contain our excitement especially since this was the first time for most of us to travel outside Europe. So, we took it as a kind of repayment for the hard work of the last couple of years and we were determined to make the most of the experience. We were going to Martinique!!

December 2nd 2006 we left for Martinique, via Orly airport in Paris. We were incredibly unlucky in that we missed the plane to Martinique and had to stay in Paris for a couple of days. But we made the most of the situation and travelled around Paris like 6 crazy people so that we could complete the Paris tour within 3 days!! We made it visiting all the major sights…so at this point we just could not wait to get to Martinique.

After a 3 day delay, we finally arrived. The weather was a complete shock compared to freezing Paris. The girls walked out of the airport to discover the meaning of Frizzy hair! Just like summer in Malta, with added humidity!! The hosting organisation took us to the accommodation. This place was like nothing we had ever imagined. The tropical climate, rain, sun, rain, sun, the infinite quantity of bananas, coconuts and tropical fruit, the abundance of greenery everywhere you looked and most significantly the simple, humble and friendly nature of the people who welcomed us which made us feel instantly at home.

The exchange was entitled ‘In the Middle of the Sea’. Partner countries included Greece and Sardinia apart from Malta and Martinique. Integration was natural and instantaneous between most of the participants. The aim of the project was to compare island life and discover differences and similarities between our cultures, our way of life.

We were practically treated like royalty as these people introduced us to their island. We visited beaches, aquariums, took part in water sports, scuba diving, sailing, witnessed their typical sports, visited the rainforest, ate the typical foods and so much more! We can truly say we experienced a culture so unique but yet similar to ours, both being islands.

The intercultural night was one of the highlights, even though the whole stay was practically an intercultural adventure, being totally immersed in this extraordinarily appealing environment. Throughout the night we sampled their typical dishes and drinks as they performed a live show for us. We danced all night to their typical music and this is where integration between us became so natural. Music and dancing are enjoyed by everyone coming from all cultures and this brought us together, even in our diversity.

Another highlight was our trip into the rainforest. This was a humbling experience for all of us. Just the sound of this place is unforgettable, the stream, the rattling of the leaves, the creatures, the colours, the smell of freshness. It was like entering another world, still undiscovered, and untouched. We took our shoes off and walked across the river as the sun set. As it got darker, the trees lit up like Christmas trees as the fireflies settled into their positions for the night. The trees were twinkling with white lights. It was an unbelievable sight, I’ll never forget it. It felt like I was the only person there, in the middle of the essence of nature. Sounds really philosophical, I know…but these words don’t even justify how beautiful that experience was.

I can’t help but feel like there is so much more waiting for us to discover in the world in terms of cultures, people and definitely experiences. TDM has given us the opportunity to actually go out there and expand our horizons, literally. The love for life that it has brought to me is incredible. It’s so important to always have something to look forward to, to keep you going. TdM has done that for me. I’m writing about this experience just to give you all a taste of what you are getting yourselves into by joining us. There are many more adventures to come and we welcome you all to experience them with us…. Break your barriers and expand your horizons!!

For a visual insight into our experience….check out this video !!

Photos from Paris and Martinique